GoFundMe Page Set Up For Mum Of Children Shot Dead By Father

In times of suffering we often see the great strength of a community rise above, and this case is no different.

Australia’s Russian community is rallying behind devastated mother Olga Edwards, who’s two children were shot dead by their father in Sydney’s north-west last week.

Russian Speakers, a group designed to help connect Russian nationals across the country, have setup a GoFundMe page to help support the 36-year-old grieving woman. The page was created on Saturday and as of early Tuesday morning over $20,215 had been raised.

This comes following a tragedy that occurred inside Ms Edward’s own home in West Pennant Hills on Thursday 5th July. Jack Edwards, 15, and his 13-year-old sister Jennifer Edwards were fatally shot by their estranged father, John Edwards.

Olga Edwards arrived home shortly after police and discovered the horrific scene. She was treated at the scene for severe shock by paramedics.

Mr Edwards shot and killed himself at his nearby home shortly after murdering his children. It’s believed that a custody dispute between the two parents may have been the motive.

“The kid’s mum, Olga Edwards, is currently in a great distress and will possibly be out of work due to shock and bereavement for some time,” reads the GoFundMe page.

The page also said that the raised funds will also go towards flying the children’s grandmother to Australia from overseas to be with Ms Edwards during this devastating time.

While the page has been gathering donations from people in the community, many people have also used the page to send their condolences to Ms Edwards.

“Please know that Jack was so loved by James; Jack was like a brother to James. James is missing him so much and is devastated… Your beautiful babies, Jack and Jennifer, will be forever remembered by us,” wrote Jackie Leach.

“If only we could ease your pain just a little Olga! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From ex students of Penno High and their mum,” wrote Margaret Best.

Jack attended Pennant Hills High School while his sister Jennifer attended Gosford High School. Many people have also bee writing tributes to the two young teenagers on social media accounts in these communities.

“Our hearts go out to the teachers, students and their families at Gosford High who have lost one of their own this week in horrific circumstances,” wrote Brie Rodgers on a Gosford community Facebook page.

The Penno Student Leadership Council also posted to their Facebook page saying, “Today our hearts broke when we found out that one of our students was taken from us too soon.”

If you or anyone you know is in need of help please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you wish to donate to the GoFundMe page for Olga Edwards you can visit the website here.